Daikon radishes and pouches are not typical temple decorations are they? Yet here at Matsuchiyama Shoden they are symbols of answered prayers. Let me tell you about this unique temple.
Matsuchiyama Shoden Honryuin is a special part of Sensoji Temple. It follows the Sho-Kannon Sect a branch of Tendai Buddhism.
Though it is a temple you will see a framed sign that says Shoten-Gu or Shoten Shrine. This shows how close Buddhism and Shinto are even today.
Legend says that long ago during Emperor Suiko’s time the mountain here rose suddenly. A golden dragon came down from the sky to protect it. Six years later there was a terrible drought. Eleven-Faced Kannon saw the people’s suffering. It changed into Daisho-Kangi-Ten to save them. This is how Kangi-Ten came to be here.
Later in 857 A.D. Emperor Montoku ruled. Jikaku-Daishi Ennin famous for bringing back the Tendai Sect stayed here. He did an oil-bathing ritual for 21 days praying for the nation’s peace. They say he also carved an Eleven-Faced Kannon from red sandalwood while doing the ritual.
Since it began many people have respected this temple. It still feels very spiritual.
Daisho-Kangi-Ten is seen as the best way to reach salvation through Dainichi Nyorai. This is the main god in Esoteric Buddhism. Kangi-Ten is also thought to be an avatar of Kannon. Kangi-Ten promises to turn our ignorant wishes into reality. It does this by using natural ways leading us to the right path.
Kangi-Ten looks like a couple embracing. This shows the joining of what is holy and what is not. It shows how important it is to be in harmony with others. It also shows Kangi-Ten’s kindness in saving everyone.
Yokuyu or oil-bathing is the most sacred ritual here to honor Kangi-Ten. It is done every day at Matsuchiyama Shoden. People pray for their wishes to come true quickly. You can ask for Yokuyu anytime. If you do the ritual for seven days you get a special seal or amulet.
You will see many daikon radishes and pouches here. They stand for gifts from prayers. The daikon is our mind stuck in ignorance. It sends out the poison of anger. By giving a daikon to Kangi-Ten that poison is taken from our body and soul. We become healthy in both mind and body. We can find a good partner. We can live a long happy life with our family. The pouch is a sign of treasure. It means success in business.
The Sakura Rail is a monorail. It links the parking lot to Matsuchiyama’s main hall. It is Japan’s shortest monorail. It opened in 2012. People who have trouble walking use it most often.
Long ago Matsuchiyama was a well-known beauty spot in Edo now Tokyo. Many artists and poets wrote about it. Matsuchiyama Shoden had many followers mostly common people. They came to pray for themselves and their families.
At that time Matsuchiyama Shoten had thick forests around it. It stood tall near the Sumida River. It was written about in poems songs plays and pictures. It was known as a beautiful and historic place in Edo.
So next time you see a daikon radish remember Matsuchiyama Shoden a place of transformation and blessings.